Spartan Football All-Access takes you inside the Michigan State Football program. This episode includes an inside look of the walk-on to scholarship story of defensive end, Kenny Willekes, a look into the life of Executive Director of Player Personnel, Sheldon White and an depth view to the triple overtime thriller against the Northwestern Wildcats.

Entering his 12th season at Michigan State, Mark Dantonio has established himself as one of the most accomplished head coaches in Big Ten history, leading a program that has transformed itself into one of the nation's perennial powers.

Dantonio has won the most Big Ten Championships (three) and bowl games (five) of any Spartan head coach and also ranks first with 10 bowl appearances. He is the only Big Ten coach to win multiple Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015), claim a victory in the Rose Bowl (2014), and coach in the College Football Playoff (2015). The second-winningest coach in school history, trailing only Hall of Famer Duffy Daugherty, Dantonio owns a 100-45 (.690) record at MSU since his arrival in 2007. Dantonio also ranks first in program history in conference winning percentage (.667, 60-30 record, minimum 10 games), tied for first in AP Top 25 finishes (seven), second in Big Ten wins (60), home wins (59) and AP Top 25 victories (20), and fifth in overall winning percentage (.690).

Dantonio won his 100th game as head coach at Michigan State with a 42-17 victory over No. 18 Washington State in the 2017 Holiday Bowl and is one of just eight active FBS coaches to own at least 100 victories at his current school. He is just nine victories shy from tying Daugherty, who coached at MSU from 1954-72, for the most wins in school history (109).

Dantonio's incredible run at Michigan State ranks among the best in Big Ten history. Dantonio is one of just six Big Ten coaches to have at least six 10-win seasons on their resume (Bo Schembechler, Michigan; Jim Tressel, Ohio State; Joe Paterno, Penn State; Lloyd Carr, Michigan; Urban Meyer, Ohio State) and one of four to have at least five 11-win seasons (Tressel, Paterno, Meyer). Dantonio is also one of just 14 coaches in Big Ten history to record 100 victories.

A Zanesville, Ohio, native with Midwest ties, Dantonio is in his 39th year of collegiate coaching, including his 15th as a head coach and 17th in East Lansing (served as the Spartan secondary coach from 1995-2000). The 61-year-old Dantonio won his school-record third Big Ten Championship in 2015 with a 16-13 victory over previously undefeated and fourth-ranked Iowa that sent Michigan State to the College Football Playoff. He became MSU's second all-time winningest coach with his 71st victory on Oct. 25, 2014, against Michigan (record: Daugherty, 109). He won his 100th career game as a head coach in dramatic fashion on Oct. 17, 2015, at Michigan Stadium as the Spartans rallied to defeat the Wolverines, 27-23, on a 38-yard fumble return as time expired. Dantonio owns a career record of 118-62 (.656) in 14 seasons as a head coach.

A two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (2010, 2013), Dantonio has led Michigan State to Top 25 finishes seven times (2008: No. 24 in both polls; 2010: No. 14 in both polls; 2011: No. 10 USA TODAY/No. 11 AP; 2013: No. 3 in both polls; 2014: No. 5 in both polls; 2015: No. 6 in both polls; 2017: No. 15 AP/No. 16 USA TODAY). Dantonio's seven AP Top-25 finishes are tied for first most in school history (Daugherty's teams posted seven Top-25 finishes during his 19-year tenure from 1954-72). MSU (No. 3 in 2013, No. 5 in 2014, No. 6 in 2015) was the only school to finish in the top six of the final AP Poll from 2013-15.

Michigan State is in the midst of its winningest decade in school history based on total wins, as the Spartans are 78-28 (.736) since the beginning of the 2010 season. During that span, MSU has won five bowl games (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose, 2015 Cotton, 2017 Holiday), three Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015) and three Big Ten Division titles (2011, 2013, 2015). MSU's .736 winning percentage this decade is second best in school history (.766 in 1950s, 70-21-1). The Spartans' 78 victories since 2010 rank tied for 10th most in the FBS, and the 49 wins since 2013 are tied for ninth most.

Dantonio made history by becoming the first Big Ten coach to record five 11-win seasons in a six-year span following MSU's 12-win campaign in 2015 (11 in 2010; 11 in 2011; school-record 13 in 2013, 11 in 2014; 12 in 2015). His five 11-win seasons are tied for third most in Big Ten history. Prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU had not recorded an 11-win season in its history, and had just two 10-win seasons (1965, 1999).

During conference play, Michigan State has won 33 of its last 45 games against Big Ten opponents, dating back to the 2012 regular-season finale, including 21 wins by double-figures. Since the inception of the College Football Playoff and New Year's Six in 2014, Michigan State is one of only six schools (Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma) to play in both the CFP (2015 vs. Alabama) and a New Year's Six game (2015 Cotton Bowl vs. Baylor).

Michigan State played in a school-record nine consecutive bowl games from 2007-15 (2007 Champs Sports Bowl, 2009 Capital One Bowl, 2010 Alamo Bowl, 2011 Capital One Bowl, 2012 Outback Bowl, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, 2014 Rose Bowl, 2015 Cotton Bowl, 2015 College Football Playoff Semifinal at Cotton Bowl). Dantonio extended his school record with his 10th bowl game appearance in 2017 (Holiday Bowl); he is 5-5 in bowl games at Michigan State, including a school-record four-game winning streak (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose, 2015 Cotton). Dantonio has led his teams to 12 bowl berths in 14 seasons as a head coach (10 at MSU, two at Cincinnati).

Dantonio has coached the second-most games of any Spartan head coach in school history (Daugherty: 183; Dantonio: 145). In addition, Dantonio is the third-longest tenured coach in the Big Ten (Kirk Ferentz, Iowa: 19 seasons; Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern: 12 seasons) and eighth longest in the FBS (same school, consecutive seasons).

Twenty-eight Spartans have been chosen in the NFL Draft under Dantonio's watch, including three consecutive first-round selections from 2014-16. Dennard was a 2013 unanimous All-America selection and also won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given annually to the nation's best defensive back. He was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft (No. 24 overall) by the Cincinnati Bengals to become the first Spartan under Dantonio to be chosen in the first round. Cornerback Trae Waynes was selected in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings at No. 11 overall in 2015. Michigan State became just the sixth school to have cornerbacks selected in the first round of the NFL Draft in consecutive years, joining Alabama (2012-13), LSU (2011-12), Miami-Florida (2005-06), Ohio State (1999-2001) and Notre Dame (1993-94). In 2016, offensive tackle Jack Conklin became the highest Spartan drafted under Dantonio as he was chosen No. 8 overall by the Tennessee Titans, and went on earn AP All-Pro honors as a rookie. The Spartans had six players drafted in 2012, the most in the Dantonio era, and five in 2016.

From his first day on the job, Dantonio has pledged to support student-athletes as they pursue excellence, both in the classroom and on the playing field. In his first 11 seasons, a total of 193 players have earned their undergraduate degrees. In addition, 163 Spartans have earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, including eight Academic All-America selections (Blair White, 2009 second team; Sadler, 2014 first team, 2013 first team, 2012 second team, 2011 second team; Max Bullough, 2013 first team, 2012 second team; Cole Chewins, 2017 first team). MSU set a program record with 27 Academic All-Big Ten honorees in 2017. In the past seven years, Michigan State has placed three student-athletes in the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Class (Kirk Cousins in 2011; Bullough in 2013; Sadler in 2014). Sadler became MSU's first four-time Academic All-American and was a finalist for the 2014 William V. Campbell Trophy (nation's top scholar-athlete).

For his work in the community, Dantonio received the 2016 Gene Stallings Award, which is given annually to college football head coaches who are also humanitarians and strive to promote healthy, vibrant communities through charitable and community service efforts. In addition to Dantonio's numerous accomplishments as head football coach at Michigan State, he has been an active member of the Mid-Michigan community. Dantonio and his wife, Becky, have hosted a women's football clinic nearly every year of his tenure, with proceeds going to local charities. The most recent clinic in April 2016 benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Lansing. Dantonio was named honorary chairman of the Children's Miracle Network at the Sparrow Children Center's in Lansing in 2009 and has played an integral role in helping children throughout the Mid-Michigan region get the medical care they need. Dantonio and his staff have also hosted CMN telethons that have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. He has also played a role in getting the Spartans visiting elementary and middle schools throughout Lansing as part of the city's "Lansing Promise" campaign.

Dantonio was also named a 2015 finalist for the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award, which annually honors the coach of a team with a successful season on the field and equally as important, stresses the importance of academic excellence and desire to give back to the community.

Under Dantonio, Spartan teams have produced some of the longest winning streaks in school history. MSU's 13-game Big Ten winning streak from 2012-14 was its second-longest conference run, while MSU's 12-game winning streak that began on Nov. 15, 2014, and ended on Nov. 7, 2015, was tied for the third longest in school history. Dantonio also had an 11-game winning streak during the 2013-14 seasons. In addition, Michigan State has produced a 59-18 record (.766) in home games since 2007, including four undefeated home seasons (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015).

The Spartans have consistently produced victories against highly ranked teams under Dantonio. MSU has defeated 20 AP Top-25 teams in his tenure, including nine in the Top 10. The Spartans have twice stopped the two longest winning streaks in Ohio State history (snapped school-record 24-game winning streak over the No. 2 Buckeyes in the 2013 Big Ten Championship Game; snapped 23-game winning streak over the defending National Champion and second-ranked Buckeyes on Nov. 21, 2015, in Ohio Stadium). MSU also has AP Top 10 wins over No. 4 Iowa (2015 season), No. 4 Baylor (2014), No. 4 Wisconsin (2011), No. 5 Stanford (2013), No. 7 Oregon (2015), No. 7 Michigan (2017) and No. 7 Penn State (2017) under Dantonio. The Spartans have also defeated Michigan eight times in the last 10 years, the most wins by MSU over UM in a 10-year span in series history.

Known as one of the top defensive minds in the country, Dantonio and his staff have assembled one of the most consistently productive defenses in the FBS, year in and year out. The Spartans have finished in the FBS Top 10 in total defense five times under Dantonio, including No. 7 in 2017, and were the only team to rank in the NCAA FBS Top 10 in total defense from 2011-14 (No. 6 in 2011, No. 4 in 2012, No. 2 in 2013, No. 8 in 2014). A key reason for MSU's success has been creating turnovers, as the Spartans led the Big Ten for three consecutive years from 2013-15 in turnover margin, figures which also ranked in the FBS Top 10 (No. 10 in 2013 at +0.93; No. 2 in 2014 at +1.46; No. 4 in 2015 at +1.0).

Stopping the run has been the main theme for MSU, and it led to ranking No. 1 in the NCAA FBS in rushing defense in 2014 (88.5 ypg). Since the Big Ten began awarding stat champions in all games in 1985, Michigan State (2011-14) became only the second team in conference history to lead the league in rushing defense four years in a row. The Spartans have ranked in the FBS Top 25 in rushing defense seven times in the last nine seasons, including a run of five straight years in the top 11 (2011-15) and No. 2 in 2017 (95.3 ypg).

Michigan State, which finished the 2017 season with a 10-3 record and a 42-17 victory in the Holiday Bowl over No. 18 Washington State, was ranked No. 15 in the final Associated Press Poll and No. 16 in the final Amway Coaches Poll. MSU's seven-game win improvement from 2016 established a school record for the biggest turnaround in program history. It marked the seventh time Michigan State finished in the national rankings under Dantonio.

For the fourth time in his career, Dantonio was named a semifinalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year Award in 2017. The Spartans recorded double-digit wins for just the eighth time in school history -- and the sixth time under Dantonio -- after thrashing Washington State in the Holiday Bowl for their 10th win of the season, which was also Dantonio's 100th victory as head coach of the Spartans. MSU also defeated two AP Top 10 teams (No. 7 Michigan on Oct. 7; No. 7 Penn State on Nov. 4) and finished 7-2 in Big Ten play, tied for second in the East Division standings. According to the NCAA, the Spartans played the 13th toughest schedule in the Football Bowl Subdivision, as their opponents had a combined record of 86-59 (.593). Dantonio and his staff accomplished all of this despite having one of the youngest teams in the nation, with nearly 80 underclassmen on the roster.

The resurgent Spartans were led by one of the best defenses in the country. Michigan State closed out 2017 ranked among the FBS leaders in rushing defense (No. 2 at 95.3 ypg), total defense (No. 7 at 297.6 ypg), first-downs defense (No. 9 at 206), pass efficiency defense (No. 17 with 113.5 rating), third-down defense (No. 18 at .328) and scoring defense (No. 19 at 20.0 ppg).

Michigan State finished No. 7 in the FBS in total defense (297.6), marking the fifth time the Spartans have finished in the FBS Top 10 in total defense under Dantonio (No. 6 in 2011, No. 4 in 2012, No. 2 in 2013, No. 8 in 2014, No. 7 in 2017). The Spartans also led the Big Ten in rushing defense for the fifth time in the Dantonio era (2011-14, 2017) and ranked No. 2 in the FBS, allowing just 95.3 yards per game. Michigan State has finished in the FBS Top 10 in rushing defense five times under Dantonio and seven times in the Top 25.

A total of 18 Michigan State players earned All-Big Ten recognition in 2017, including sophomore safety David Dowell, who was named first-team All-Big Ten by the media. Eleven of MSU's 18 honorees were underclassmen (seven sophomores, two redshirt freshman, two true freshmen). Sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke, who was named the Offensive MVP of the Holiday Bowl, set school sophomore records for total offense (3,352 yards), passing yards (2,793), passing attempts (417) and passing completions (246). Fellow sophomore linebacker Joe Bachie was named the team's MVP (Governor's Award) after leading the team with 100 tackles, becoming the first Spartan sophomore to win the award since Drew Stanton in 2004.

2016: 3-9

Featuring one of the youngest teams in the nation, Michigan State finished the 2016 season with a 3-9 overall record. Due to a combination of youth and injuries, MSU had a different starting lineup in every game of the season on both offense and defense. Several Spartans stepped into new and expanded roles, as the offense and defense combined to feature 26 players who either started for the first time or were in their first full-time starting role. In addition, MSU's 21 first-time starters ranked tied for 10th most in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in 2016.

MSU had nine players receive All-Big Ten recognition in 2016, including second-team selections DE Malik McDowell and WR R.J. Shelton. McDowell was chosen in the second round of the NFL Draft by Seattle (No. 35 overall); Michigan State is the only Big Ten school to have a player selected in the top 35 picks of the NFL Draft the past four years. Junior safety Montae Nicholson was drafted in the fourth round by Washington.

Michigan State, which finished the 2015 season with the second-most wins in school history (12-2 record), won the Big Ten Championship for the second time in three years and reached the College Football Playoff, closed the season ranked No. 6 in the final Associated Press and USA TODAY/Amway Coaches Polls, marking its third straight Top 10 finish -- a program first since 1955-57 (No. 2 in 1955; No. 9 in 1956; No. 3 in 1957).

Michigan State won its second Big Ten Championship in three years and ninth in school history with a 16-13 victory over No. 4 Iowa on Dec. 5. It marked Dantonio's third Big Ten Championship (2010, 2013, 2015), establishing a school record.

MSU defeated nine bowl teams, including four wins over AP Top 25 teams (No. 7 Oregon on Sept. 12, No. 12 Michigan on Oct. 17, No. 2 Ohio State on Nov. 21, No. 4 Iowa on Dec. 5). It marked the first time in school history the Spartans beat three AP Top-10 teams (No. 7 Oregon, No. 2 Ohio State, No. 4 Iowa) in the same season. MSU also topped Western Michigan, Air Force, Central Michigan, Indiana and Penn State, who all played in the postseason. In the final AP rankings, MSU defeated four Top 25 teams (No. 4 Ohio State, No. 9 Iowa, No. 12 Michigan, No. 19 Oregon).

For the third year in a row, MSU led the Big Ten in turnover margin (+1.00), which also ranked fourth best in the FBS. The Spartans also ranked among the FBS Top 25 in rushing defense (11th at 116.0 ypg.), sacks (23rd at 2.64 pg.) and scoring defense (25th at 21.7 ppg.).

Michigan State had its school-record four-game bowl winning streak snapped with a loss to National Champion Alabama in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Dec. 31.

Dantonio was named a finalist for three major national coach of the year awards in 2015 (Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year: Bobby Dodd Foundation and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; George Munger Award: Maxwell Football Club; Eddie Robinson Award: Football Writers Association of America).

With a 43-11 record, the 2015 senior class finished their careers as the winningest senior class in school history (previous record: 42 wins in 2013 and 2014). The 23-member 2015 senior class was a part of three bowl wins (2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose, 2015 Cotton), two Big Ten division titles (2013, 2015) and two Big Ten Championships (2013, 2015).

Five Michigan State players were named to the All-Big Ten First Team in 2015 and a total of 16 Spartans received all-conference recognition. The five first-team selections by the coaches matched Ohio State for the most of any school in the conference, and the four first-team honorees on offense were the most in the league. The five first-team All-Big Ten selections tied for the second most first-team All-Big Ten selections under Dantonio (six in 2013; five in 2014 and 2012).

Two Spartans took home individual awards, as senior Aaron Burbridge was named the Richter-Howard Big Ten Receiver of the Year and fifth-year senior Connor Cook was selected the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year. It marked the second year in a row a Spartan has won the Receiver of the Year (Tony Lippett, 2014). Cook also was named recipient of the 2015 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, which has been given to the nation's top college quarterback annually since 1987, and became the first player to win the Big Ten Championship Game MVP twice. He finished his career as the winningest quarterback in school history (34-5 record) and set program records for most TD passes (71), passing yards (9,194) and total offense (9,403 yards).

Allen, Burbridge, Conklin, Cook and fifth-year defensive end Shilique Calhoun were first-team All-Big Ten selections by both the coaches and media. Calhoun became the first Spartan defensive lineman in school history to earn first-team honors three times and just the eighth player at MSU to garner first-team accolades on at least three occasions.

In addition, Allen (Associated Press, CBS Sports, SI.com) and Conklin (Sporting News, USA TODAY) were named first-team All-Americans, while Calhoun earned second-team honors for the third year in a row from numerous organizations.

Michigan State, which capped off an 11-2 season with a dramatic comeback win over fourth-ranked Baylor in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic, finished the 2014 season ranked No. 5 in the final Associated Press and USA TODAY/Amway Coaches Polls. MSU's 20-point comeback win over Baylor (trailed 41-21 entering the fourth quarter) in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic was the biggest in Spartan postseason history (previous: down 16-0 at halftime to Georgia in the 2012 Outback Bowl). In addition, it marked the second-largest comeback win in Cotton Bowl Classic history (22 points by Notre Dame in 1979; the Irish trailed 34-12 with 7:37 left in the fourth quarter and rallied to defeat Houston, 35-34).

The 2014 Spartans featured the most prolific offense in school history to go along with another Top 10 defense. Michigan State set school single-season records for points (559), total offense (6,510 yards; 500.8 yards per game), offensive touchdowns (70), rushing touchdowns (44), scoring average (43.0 points per game), rushing yards (3,057) and first downs (321). MSU ranked second in the Big Ten and seventh in the FBS in scoring, averaging a school-record 43.0 points per game, and also ranked second in the Big Ten and 11th in the FBS in total offense, averaging a program-best 500.8 yards per game. The Spartans were balanced offensively, ranking No. 1 in the Big Ten in passing offense (265.6 ypg.) and fifth in the Big Ten and 19th in the FBS in rushing offense (235.3 ypg.).

In addition to leading the FBS in rushing defense (88.5 ypg.) and ranking eighth in total defense (315.8 ypg.), MSU also ranked No. 1 in the nation in time of possession (35:21) and No. 2 in turnover margin (+1.46).

Michigan State defeated five bowl-bound teams in 2014, with victories over No. 19 Nebraska, Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State and No. 4 Baylor, and beat Michigan for the sixth time in the past seven seasons. MSU's only two losses were against the two teams in the inaugural College Football Playoff Championship Game (Oregon and Ohio State). The Spartans continued their impressive run in Big Ten games, finishing 7-1 in conference play and second in the Big Ten East Division.

Five Michigan State players were named to the All-Big Ten First Team and a total of 14 Spartans received all-conference recognition. The five first-team selections by the coaches were the most of any school in the conference.

Two Spartans took home individual awards, as Drummond was named the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, while Lippett was selected the Richter-Howard Big Ten Receiver of the Year. It marked the second straight year a Spartan has won the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Award (Dennard, 2013).

Allen, Calhoun, Drummond, Lippett and Waynes were first-team selections by both the coaches and media. Michigan State has had two defensive backs on the All-Big Ten First Team each year the past four seasons (Johnny Adams and Trenton Robinson in 2011; Adams and Dennard in 2012; Dennard and Drummond in 2013).

Michigan State had a record-setting season in 2013, winning a school-record 13 games, defeating No. 5 Stanford in the 100th Rose Bowl Game, beating No. 2 Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game for the school's eighth Big Ten title, and finishing No. 3 in both national polls, the highest ranking for the Spartans since 1966. Michigan State (13-1) became just the third team in Big Ten history to win 13 games in a season.

Dantonio earned 2013 Big Ten Coach of the Year honors from both the media and coaches, as the Spartans finished their conference schedule with a perfect 8-0 record for the first time in school history. Michigan State became the 14th Big Ten team to post an 8-0 mark in league play. The Spartans were the first Big Ten team to win all eight of their conference games by double-digit points since the league went to an eight-game schedule in 1971, and also defeated the Buckeyes by double figures in the championship game. In addition, MSU became the first undefeated Big Ten team to win all of its league games by double-figure points since Michigan in 1943 (6-0 record).

Dantonio also was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year, Bobby Bowden Coach of the Year and Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year. In addition, he was named one of 16 semifinalists for the Maxwell Football Club Coach of the Year and was tabbed Big Ten Coach of the Year by Sporting News and CollegeFootballNews.com.

Dantonio and his staff assembled the No. 1 defense in the Big Ten for the third straight season in 2013. The Spartans led the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in total defense for 13 straight weeks and finished the season ranked No. 2 in the FBS, allowing just 252.2 yards per game. MSU was the only school to rank in the top three in the four major defensive stat categories: No. 2 in total defense, No. 2 in rushing defense (86.6 ypg.), No. 3 in scoring defense (13.2 ppg.) and No. 3 in pass defense (165.6 ypg.). In addition, the Spartans led the FBS in pass efficiency defense (92.3 rating) and ranked No. 2 in opponent third-down conversions (.279) and No. 5 in first-downs defense (14.3 pg). MSU's defense allowed just 4.04 yards per play, which also ranked No. 1 in the FBS.

The Spartans also led the Big Ten in nine defensive categories (total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, pass defense, pass efficiency defense, turnover margin, opponent third-down conversions, opponent fourth-down conversions, first downs defense). MSU became the first team to rank first in total defense and rushing defense three years in a row since the Big Ten awarded conference stat champions in 1985 for overall games.

Offensively, the Spartans evolved into championship form as the season progressed, culminating with strong performances against Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game and Stanford in the Rose Bowl Game. The Spartans produced 438 yards of total offense against the Buckeyes and nearly 400 yards (397) against Stanford, which entered the game No. 14 in the FBS in total defense. Cook, a sophomore, was named the Most Outstanding Player in the Big Ten Championship Game after throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns, and he topped that performance by racking up 332 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Cardinal while being named the Rose Bowl Game's Offensive MVP.

MSU ranked among the Big Ten leaders in conference games in passing efficiency (third with 139.5 rating), scoring offense (fifth with 29.8 ppg.) and rushing offense (fifth with 185.8 ypg.). The offensive line allowed just 17 sacks - the second fewest in the Big Ten and 15th fewest in the FBS. In addition, Michigan State ranked seventh in the FBS in time of possession (33:19 per game).

Another key reason for MSU's success was creating turnovers on defense and limiting mistakes on offense, as Michigan State ranked first in the Big Ten and tied for 10th in the FBS in turnover margin (+13, 0.9 per game). The Spartans forced a total of 28 turnovers (11 fumbles, 17 interceptions), including five for touchdowns (three fumble recoveries, two interception returns). MSU forced the most turnovers in the Big Ten (28) and also turned the ball over the least amount of times (15) in the conference. MSU's seven interceptions were also tied for fewest in the Big Ten and tied for 11th fewest in the FBS.

Michigan State was rewarded for winning the Legends Division by three games, as six Spartans were named to the All-Big Ten First Team and a total of 16 players received all-conference recognition. The six first-team selections were the most for Michigan State since 1990, and the 16 honorees overall equaled the second most under Dantonio (19 in 2011, 16 in 2010). Two Spartans took home individual awards, as Dennard was named the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, while Calhoun was named the Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

Dennard, Calhoun and Bullough were first-team selections by both the coaches and media. Drummond, Sadler and senior safety Isaiah Lewis were named first-team All-Big Ten by the coaches. The five first-team selections on defense tied for the most in school history (1966).

Michigan State secured its third straight winning campaign (7-6) in 2012 with a thrilling 13-point second-half comeback victory over TCU in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, defeating the Horned Frogs, 17-16.

The Spartans placed five players on the All-Big Ten First Team in 2012, the most first-team selections for the program since 1999. A total of 11 Spartans received All-Big Ten recognition, including junior running back Le'Veon Bell, who garnered consensus first-team honors after leading the Big Ten and ranking No. 3 in the NCAA FBS in rushing with 137.9 yards per game.

Michigan State defeated four bowl-bound teams in 2012, with victories over No. 24 Boise State, Central Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. The Spartans snapped Wisconsin's 21-game home winning streak at Camp Randall Stadium on Oct. 27 with a 16-13 overtime victory against the Badgers. Michigan State became bowl eligible for a school-record sixth-straight season while playing the toughest schedule in the Big Ten and the fourth hardest in the FBS, according to NCAA figures, as MSU's opponents compiled a 78-48 (.619) record during the regular season.

Three Spartans were selected in the 2013 National Football League Draft: Bell (Pittsburgh Steelers, second round), Dion Sims (Miami Dolphins, fourth round) and William Gholston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fourth round).

In 2011, thanks to its 33-30 triple-overtime victory over Georgia in the 2012 Outback Bowl, Michigan State (11-3) finished No. 10 in the final USA TODAY Coaches Poll and No. 11 in the final Associated Press Poll. It marked MSU's third Top 10 finish in the history of the USA TODAY Coaches Poll and its first since 1999 (No. 7 with a 10-2 record).

Michigan State's 11 wins in 2011 tied a then-school record, as the Spartans became bowl eligible for a school-record fifth consecutive year. MSU won the Big Ten Legends Division title outright with a 7-1 conference record, improving to 14-2 in Big Ten play during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. The Spartans came up just short of their first Rose Bowl appearance since 1988, falling to Wisconsin, 42-39, in the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game.

Michigan State defeated five bowl-bound teams, including a victory over the Badgers earlier in the season on Oct. 22 in Spartan Stadium, 37-31, on a last-second, 44-yard touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins to Keith Nichol. MSU also beat No. 11 Michigan for the fourth straight year on Oct. 15 in Spartan Stadium, 28-14, a first for the program since 1959-62. Other landmark victories included a 10-7 win at Ohio State on Oct. 1, MSU's first win in Ohio Stadium since 1998, and a 37-21 victory at Iowa on Nov. 12, the Spartans' first triumph in Kinnick Stadium since 1989.

The Spartans claimed the Legends Division outright with a 31-17 victory at Northwestern on Nov. 26 and closed the regular season with a 4-0 record in November. Michigan State also went a perfect 7-0 at home for the second straight year, posting back-to-back perfect home seasons for the first time since 1955-56.

Michigan State led the conference in rushing defense (100.5 yards per game), total defense (277.4 ypg.), interceptions (18), sacks (45), tackles for loss (105) and third-down defense (.337). In addition, the Spartans ranked among the NCAA FBS Top 20 in seven statistical categories, including sixth in total defense, seventh in sacks, ninth in rushing defense, 10th in scoring defense (18.4 ppg.), 11th in pass defense (176.9 ypg.), 14th in tackles for loss and 18th in pass efficiency defense (113.3 rating).

On the offensive side of the ball, quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver B.J. Cunningham re-wrote the Michigan State record book. Cousins, the second-winningest quarterback in school history with 27 victories as a starter, finished his career as MSU's all-time leader in touchdown passes (66), passing yards (9,131), completions (723), passing efficiency (146.1 rating), 200-yard passing games (26) and total offense (9,004 yards). He also set a single-season MSU record with 25 passing TDs in 2011. Cousins' favorite target was Cunningham, who left East Lansing as Michigan State's career leader in both receptions (218) and receiving yards (3,316). In his senior year, Cunningham tied a then-school record with 79 receptions and posted eight 100-yard receiving games, the most in an MSU single-season.

The Spartans were rewarded for their excellent season as 19 players received All-Big Ten recognition on the first team, second team or honorable mention, including a school-record 11 on defense. The Spartans had four first-team All-Big Ten selections: Adams (coaches), offensive guard Joel Foreman (coaches and media), safety Trenton Robinson (media) and defensive tackle Jerel Worthy (coaches and media).

Dantonio, who led Michigan State to a then-school record 11 wins in 2010 and a share of its first Big Ten Championship since 1990, was named the Dave McClain Big Ten Coach of the Year, as selected by the conference's media panel. A finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant, Eddie Robinson and Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year Awards, Dantonio helped manage the third-biggest turnaround among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams during the regular season, as the Spartans improved from 6-7 in 2009 to 11-1 in 2010. He was also named the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Region 3 Coach of the Year, and earned National Coach of the Year honors from CBSSports.com, Scout.com and Rivals.com.

Thanks to its 28-22 victory at Penn State in the regular-season finale, Michigan State recorded its first win in State College since 1965 and finished in a tie with Wisconsin for the 2010 Big Ten Championship. With successive wins over Minnesota, Purdue and Penn State to close out the regular season, the Spartans posted a perfect 3-0 record in November for the first time since 1999. MSU also dealt Wisconsin its only loss of the 2010 regular season, 34-24, in the Big Ten opener.

MSU played in a New Year's Day game for the second time under Dantonio with a berth in the 2010 Capital One Bowl against Alabama. The Spartans finished the season ranked No. 14 in both The Associated Press and USA TODAY/ Coaches' Polls.

A total of 16 Spartans received All-Big Ten recognition on the first team, second team or honorable mention, including senior linebacker Greg Jones, senior punter Aaron Bates, sophomore running back Edwin Baker and sophomore placekicker Dan Conroy, who each earned All-Big Ten first-team honors from the media. One of the top linebackers in school history, Jones was named a first-team consensus All-American for the second straight season, becoming only the third Spartan to accomplish the feat. He also became just the seventh player in program history to receive first-team All-Big Ten honors three times. Jones (New York Giants) and cornerback Chris L. Rucker (Indianapolis Colts) were selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

2009: 7-6, 4-4 Big Ten (Alamo Bowl)

Led by Jones and one of the most explosive offenses in the Big Ten, the Spartans earned their third consecutive bowl bid in 2009.

A consensus first-team All-American, Jones became the first Spartan to win Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year accolades after recording 154 tackles, finishing first in the conference and third nationally in 2009. He also led the team and ranked among the national leaders in tackles for loss (14 for 69 yards) and sacks (9 for 53 yards). Jones was rated the No. 1 linebacker in the nation by CollegeFootballNews.com and earned the Linebacker Trophy (Linebacker of the Year) by the College Football Performance Awards.

In addition, Worthy was named a Freshman All-American, marking the third straight year a Spartan landed on a Freshman All-America Team, and cornerback Jeremy Ware was chosen by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Offensively, Michigan State featured the No. 2 passing attack in the Big Ten, averaging nearly 270 yards per game. The Spartans also finished second in the league in scoring (29.7 points per game) and third in total offense (406.2 ypg.). MSU established a school record with 28 touchdown passes in 2009, and the 3,502 passing yards ranked second in the school record book.

The Spartan passing game was built around wide receiver Blair White, who was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches while recording career highs in receptions (70), TD catches (9) and receiving yards (990), all of which ranked among MSU's Top 10 single-season leaders.

MSU's special teams featured the school's all-time leading kicker in Brett Swenson, who scored 377 career points. A first-team All-Big Ten selection and Lou Groza Award semifinalist, Swenson also became MSU's career leader in field goals (71 made) and extra points (164 made) during the 2009 season. He closed out his career ranked among the Big Ten's all-time leaders in kick scoring (second), field goals (tied for third), total points (fourth) and extra points (sixth).

2008: 9-4, 6-2 Big Ten (Capital One Bowl, Final Ranking: No. 24/24)

One of 15 semifinalists for the George Munger Coach of the Year Award, Dantonio had a breakthrough season as a head coach in 2008. Under his leadership, the Spartans went 9-3 in the regular season and compiled a 6-2 record in the Big Ten, the best league mark for the program since 1999. Michigan State defeated five bowl-bound teams, with victories over Florida Atlantic, Notre Dame, Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin. The Spartans, who made their first New Year's Day Bowl appearance in nine seasons (Capital One Bowl vs. Georgia), finished the season ranked No. 24 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Polls.

Three Michigan State players were named first-team All-Big Ten by the league's head coaches: senior running back Javon Ringer, senior safety Otis Wiley and Jones. A total of 15 Spartans received All-Big Ten recognition on the first team, second team or honorable mention.

Ringer became MSU's first consensus All-American since 2004, earning first-team accolades from Walter Camp and the Associated Press. The Doak Walker Award finalist had one of the finest seasons in Spartan history, scoring a school-record 22 touchdowns and rushing for 1,637 yards, which ranked second in the school record books. Ringer was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fifth round of the 2009 NFL Draft.

2007: 7-6, 3-5 Big Ten (2007 Champs Sports Bowl)

In his first season as head coach at Michigan State, Dantonio sparked a three-game turnaround as the Spartans finished the 2007 regular season with a 7-5 record, securing the program's first bowl bid in four years with a berth against Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando. Dantonio became just the third first-year coach in Michigan State history to earn a postseason bowl bid, joining Saban (1995 Independence Bowl vs. LSU) and John L. Smith (2003 Alamo Bowl vs. Nebraska).

Michigan State (7-6 overall) produced seven victories despite playing one of the nation's most demanding schedules, as the Spartans' 2007 opponents had a combined record of 75-57 (.568) during the regular season. The Spartans went 4-3 in games played against bowl-bound teams in 2007. Michigan State lost six games by a combined total of 31 points, including two in overtime (Northwestern and Iowa). All six games were decided by seven points or less.

Michigan State finished the year strong, winning its final two games of the regular season for the first time since 1999 with victories at Purdue and over Penn State, both bowl-bound teams. Dantonio became the first coach in Spartan history to begin his initial season 4-0, as Michigan State opened the 2007 campaign with wins over UAB, Bowling Green, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame. With the 31-14 victory over the Irish, the Spartans became the first opponent to win six straight games in the 77-year history of Notre Dame Stadium.

In 2007, Michigan State featured one of the Big Ten's most prolific offensive attacks. The Spartans ranked second in the conference in scoring offense (33.1 points per game), third in rushing offense (198.2 yards per game) and fourth in total offense (416.8 ypg.). Michigan State also was listed among the NCAA's top 30 in rushing offense (No. 25) and scoring offense (No. 29).

Michigan State also displayed dramatic improvement on the defensive side of the football in 2007. The Spartans ranked fourth in the Big Ten and No. 30 nationally in rushing defense, allowing just 125.9 ypg. Michigan State held four opponents under 50 yards rushing (UAB, Bowling Green, Indiana and Boston College). After finishing eighth in the Big Ten and No. 88 nationally in total defense in 2006, the Spartans improved to fourth in the league and No. 32 in the NCAA, allowing 345.5 ypg. After finishing near the bottom of the conference in tackles for loss (ninth) and sacks (10th) in 2006, Michigan State vaulted to third in the Big Ten in tackles for loss (7.69 per game) and fourth in sacks (3.08).

Jonal Saint-Dic, one of eight finalists for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award, earned first-team All-Big Ten and second-team Walter Camp All-America honors in 2007. Saint-Dic ranked fourth in the Big Ten in sacks (0.83 per game) and ninth in tackles for loss (1.21) while setting the conference single-season record with eight forced fumbles. Three other Spartans garnered second-team All-Big Ten honors: Ringer (coaches and media), Thomas (coaches and media) and offensive tackle Pete Clifford (media).

Jones, a consensus Freshman All-American, became the first true freshman to lead the Spartans in tackles (78 in 2007) since Dan Bass (111 stops) in 1976.

Dantonio, who served as head coach at Cincinnati for three seasons prior to his return to East Lansing, became Michigan State University's 24th head football coach on Nov. 27, 2006. He previously spent six years as an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1995-2000.

Cincinnati (2004-06)

Dantonio established himself as one of the nation's up-and-coming coaches during his three-year tenure at Cincinnati, where he compiled an 18-17 overall record and led the program in its transition from Conference USA to the BIG EAST Conference.

In 2006, Dantonio led the Bearcats to a 7-5 overall record and a 4-3 BIG EAST mark, making Cincinnati bowl eligible for the second time in three years. Dantonio accomplished the feat against the second-toughest schedule in the country, as UC's opponents compiled a 69-42 record. His Bearcats upset then-No. 7 Rutgers, 30-11, on Nov. 18, handing the Scarlet Knights their first loss of the season and marking the highest-ranked opponent ever defeated by UC.

Highly respected as one of the top defensive coaches in the country, Dantonio's Bearcats finished the 2006 regular season ranked among the NCAA leaders in six statistical categories: No. 21 in tackles for loss (6.8 per game), No. 23 in pass efficiency defense (109.3 rating), No. 27 in rushing defense (107.5 ypg.), No. 31 in total defense (304.3 ypg.), No. 34 in scoring defense (19.3 ppg.) and No. 34 in sacks (2.4 per game). UC held seven of its 12 regular-season opponents to less than 100 yards rushing, highlighted by performances of 36 yards each in back-to-back games against Miami-Ohio and Akron. In the win over Rutgers, Cincinnati held the nation's No. 15 rushing offense to a season-low 50 yards on the ground, and limited the NCAA's No. 3 rusher, Ray Rice, to a season-low 54 yards. Defensive end Trevor Anderson ranked among the BIG EAST leaders in tackles for loss (No. 5 at 1.13 per game) and sacks (No. 6 at 0.5 per game).

Six Bearcats earned All-BIG EAST honors in 2006, including three first-team selections: defensive tackle Terrill Byrd, linebacker Kevin McCullough and free safety Dominic Ross. Three UC players received second-team all-conference honors, including offensive guard Trevor Canfield, tight end Brent Celek and cornerback Mike Mickens. Celek, who set UC career records for receptions, receiving yards and TDs by a tight end, was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft.

In 2005, Dantonio brought together one of the nation's youngest teams, with the Bearcats starting as many as five first-year freshmen on defense and posted a competitive 4-7 record in the program's first
season in the BIG EAST.

In 2004, he became the first head coach in 23 years to direct a team to a winning season in his first year at UC. Dantonio also became only the second head coach in Cincinnati history (along with Sid Gillman) to take the Bearcats to a bowl game in his first season. The Bearcats' went 7-5 in 2004, including a 5-3 mark in Conference USA to finish second in the league standings, and defeated Marshall (32-14) in the Fort Worth Bowl.

Cincinnati led C-USA and ranked No. 26 in the NCAA in pass defense, allowing 194.2 yards per game. The Bearcats also ranked second in C-USA in total defense (341.3 ypg.) and third in both scoring defense (26.7 ppg.) and pass efficiency defense (121.5). Offensively, quarterback Gino Guidugli ranked 15th in the country in passing efficiency (146.5) and directed the Bearcats to the 30th-ranked offense in the nation (405.6 ypg). Three players were chosen in the 2005 NFL Draft (defensive end Trent Cole, linebacker Tyjuan Hagler and cornerback Daven Holly).

In his three seasons at Cincinnati, 21 of Dantonio's players earned All-BIG EAST honors and 40 received academic all-conference recognition. In back-to-back years (2006-07), Cincinnati's program was presented the American Football Coaches Association Academic Achievement Award for attaining a graduation rate of at least 70 percent for its student-athletes.

Assistant Coaching Positions

Prior to his appointment at Cincinnati, Dantonio served as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State for three seasons, where his defensive unit helped the Buckeyes to a combined record of 32-6.

In 2003, Ohio State's defense was the second toughest against the run, allowing 62.3 yards per game, and was ranked No. 10 in total defense (296.9 ypg.) and No. 16 in scoring defense (17.6 ppg.). Those efforts helped the Buckeyes post an 11-2 record and finish No. 4 in the final polls.

Dantonio assembled the defense which led Ohio State to the 2002 National Championship, as the Buckeyes ranked second in the NCAA in scoring defense (13.1 ppg) and third in rushing defense (77.7 ypg.). Six Buckeye defenders were named first-team All-Big Ten during his tenure and 13 were drafted by the pros, including a pair of first-round selections in 2004 (defensive end Will Smith and cornerback Chris Gamble).

Dantonio spent six years (1995-2000) as Michigan State's secondary coach, including five seasons under Saban and one under Bobby Williams. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2000. During his six-year tenure as an assistant, the Spartans compiled a 39-30-1 record.

Under his supervision, the Spartan secondary ranked among the NCAA leaders in pass efficiency defense three of his last four years, finishing No. 10 (101.6) in 1998, No. 16 (103.9) in 1997 and No. 22 (104.5) in 2000. In his last season as secondary coach, the Spartans only allowed 164.1 yards a game through the air, ranking seventh in the country in 2000.

Dantonio contributed to Michigan State's successful 1999 season, during which the Spartans went 10-2, won the Florida Citrus Bowl, led the Big Ten in total defense and ranked No. 7 in the final polls. He tutored cornerback Amp Campbell, who earned third-team All-America honors from the Associated Press.

Dantonio came to Michigan State following four seasons under Glen Mason at Kansas (1991-94) where he coached the defensive secondary. In 1992, the Jayhawks produced an 8-4 record and defeated BYU, 23-20, in the Aloha Bowl.

Dantonio previously spent five years at Youngstown State under Tressel, helping the Penguins to three trips to the NCAA I-AA playoffs. While serving as defensive coordinator in 1990, Youngstown State posted a perfect 11-0 regular-season record and ranked second nationally.

Dantonio earned three letters as a defensive back for Coach Jim Carlen at South Carolina (1976-78). He earned a bachelor's degree in education from South Carolina in 1979. Dantonio later earned a master's degree in education from Ohio U. in 1980.

He picked up all-state and all-league honors as a prep football player at Zanesville (Ohio) High School and was selected to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game.

THE DANTONIO FILE

PERSONAL DATA:
Born Mark Dantonio in El Paso, Texas, on March 9, 1956.